The club later issued a statement in which it said it was "embarrassed and appalled" at the behaviour of those allegedly involved and threatened to ban anyone convicted of causing trouble from St James' Park for life.

Today, Pardew criticised those responsible and pointed to the example set by those supporters who followed the club on their Europa League adventure.

He said:

"We have conducted ourselves in such a great manner all year in Europe and everything, and there was such a great feeling around.

"But there was a feeling after the game and perhaps the kick-off time and alcohol involved, and we had those ugly incidents which we don't want to see.

"It's a shame for our genuine fans that they have to carry the burden of that scare from that game."